E3 2017 has come and gone, but what we learned from the gaming industry's largest event is sure to serve us for months to come. Even against the roar of the showroom floor and chaos of a jammed packed meeting schedule, the Concept Art House team noticed a few trends still holding strong as we go into the second half of 2017.

CAH for NetherRealm Studios, Injustice 2

Working with licensed IP continues to be a strong move in the battle for users in crowded markets, and cross-cultural localization remains the holy grail for teams the world over. Neither of these is a new phenomenon. In fact, the word "norm" may be eclipsing "trend" on both fronts. What remains interesting though is that we have yet to see a standard formula for success emerge when using a big IP or working with new cultures.

Games like Injustice 2 are embraced by audiences, while other games using well-known IPs wither on the vine. As for cross-cultural localization, the ever-changing labyrinth of international publishing rules and restrictions forces teams to stay adaptive, many times relying on outside expertise to help navigate the murky waters. No one seems to have a magic solution for success as trends transform into norms, but strength in experience seems to be the strongest card teams can play.

CAH for Games Workshop, Warhammer.

Esports is another 'trend transforming into a norm,' but at last month's E3, Esports seemed to be stepping into the light in a way unprecedented. Years of Western markets building the Esports infrastructure appears to be paying off. Western viewership and participation are primed to skyrocket, players are beginning to see greater protections, and mobile is gaining ground on the PC games that have dominated the Esports field. Here are a few articles that help hit our observations home.

Gaming giants like Riot are leading the way in setting up bodies that will protect players as western markets continue to mature, and prize pools deepen.

E3 is behind us and the dog days of summer lay ahead. As always, Concept Art House is ready at the helm to help you make the best game possible. Strength in experience and agile, forward thinking will help us all get to where we desire to be.